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Southeast Alaska Travel Guide: The Inside Passage

 

"The Inside Passage is a world of mist-shrouded fjords, ancient spruce forests, and vibrant Tlingit culture. Unlike the rest of Alaska, there are no highways connecting these towns—life here happens on the water. From the massive calving glaciers of Glacier Bay to the "Salmon Capital" of Ketchikan, this is Alaska at its most lush and legendary. "

The Southeast Hubs

 

Juneau

The mountain-walled capital. Reachable only by sea or air, Juneau is your base for Mendenhall Glacier, Tracy Arm, Admiralty Island and Glacier Bay. 

Skagway

The "Gateway to the Klondike." A perfectly preserved Gold Rush town and home to the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Ketchikan

The Salmon Capital of the World. Famous for its colorful Creek Street, rich Native Alaskan totem poles, and the misty wonders of the Tongass National Forest 

Haines Alaska Adventure

The Insider’s Hidden Gem: Haines

Most travelers only see Skagway, but the real soul of the north is a 45-minute ferry ride away in Haines. Known as the "Adventure Capital of Alaska," it is a quirky, art-filled town nestled at the base of the jagged Chilkat Mountains. It offers the raw beauty of the panhandle without the cruise ship crowds. 

Why We Love It: Huge mountains, tiny town, and incredible bear viewing without the Brooks Falls chaos. It feels remote but is easy to reach. Spot bears at Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site, drive the Haines Highway (one of Alaska’s prettiest roads), or raft the Chilkat River. The Vibe: Rugged, quiet, and outdoorsy.

Bear Viewing on Admiralty Island

The Insider’s Hidden Gem: Bear Watching

Admiralty Island: For a truly secluded experience, take a floatplane day trip from Juneau with a park ranger. With strictly limited tickets and no crowds, it offers some of the world’s most pristine and intimate bear viewing in a remote wilderness setting.
Haines: Drive out to Chilkoot Lake for a local favorite that is completely free of charge. This accessible roadside spot provides incredible opportunities to see bears in their natural habitat against a backdrop of jagged mountains 
Mendenhall Glacier: From August to September, visit Steep Creek for excellent black bear viewing as they feed on spawning salmon. This free site features a paved trail near the visitor center

The Perfect Southeast Day: Whales & Glaciers

 

Morning

Sea: Voyage into Tracy Arm Fjord for a spectacular glacier cruise. This wilderness is world-famous for the twin Sawyer Glaciers; keep an eye out for harbor seals resting on blue ice floes.

Afternoon

Ice: Visit the Mendenhall Glacier. Hike the Nugget Falls trail to stand right next to the thundering waterfall with a perfect view of the glacier's blue face and calving icebergs.

Evening

Tracy's King Crab Shack: A lively, iconic Juneau seafood shack where you crack into ultra-fresh king crab legs at picnic tables by the harbor, soaking up pure Alaska flavor and local charm in a fun, no-frills setting.

Rainy day in the Tongass National Forest

The Insider Rule: Respect the Liquid Sunshine

In the world’s largest temperate rainforest, rain isn't "bad weather"—it’s the lifeblood of the ecosystem. Our #1 rule: Never cancel your plans because of rain.

The mist and clouds are what give the Inside Passage its mystical atmosphere. Buy a high-quality, breathable rain shell before you arrive—umbrellas are useless in the coastal wind. Remember, the whales don't mind getting wet, and neither should you.

Grizzly bear in Interior Alaska

Wildlife Checklist: Marine Giants & Rainforest Residents

The Inside Passage is a world of deep water and emerald forests, offering the best odds in Alaska to see massive marine life and coastal predators. Best viewing is usually from the deck of a boat or along remote salmon-rich riverbanks.

🔹 The Marine Big Five: Humpback whales, Orcas, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoise. 🔹 Rainforest Residents: Bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and the massive brown bears of Admiralty Island. 🔹 The Pro Tip: Bring binoculars. In the Southeast, the action often happens on a distant shoreline or out in the middle of a fjord where your phone camera simply can't reach.

Signature Southeast Journeys

 

Explore the lush world of the Inside Passage with these hand-crafted routes through islands, glaciers, and historic coastal towns.

Bear viewing with a ranger at Admiralty Island
National Park Adventure | 2 Days

Glacier Bay National Park

The crown jewel of the Inside Passage. Experience massive tidewater glaciers and ancient forests from the deck of a high-speed catamaran.

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Juneau Gondola Ride and Hike
Rail & Drive Tour | 10 Days

Best of Alaska Holiday

A spectacular journey starting in Juneau. Combine sea and rail as you explore the best of Southeast Alaska and the Interior.

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Glacier Bay Lodge stay
National Park Lodge | 3 Days

Glacier Bay Lodge

The only lodging located within Glacier Bay. Nestled under a canopy of Sitka spruce, this is your basecamp for wilderness adventure.

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